Clicking/Ticking Sound - Driver Side Wheel Area -- cv joint/axle?

[gse36]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 2003 X5 3.0, and it has recently developed a metallic sounding clicking/ticking noise from the driver wheel area under the car. The noise is a light clicking (higher frequency) or ticking noise. This is only at lower speeds. The ticking increases with frequency with the wheel speed, and is fairly quiet (easier to hear in a parkade with the windows down, or if you are standing beside the car). I have looked under the car, and the CV boots appear to be in tact. I have had the boots replaced recently (6 months ago) on that side, so perhaps it was not done correctly.

The sound is present even with the wheels straight, and I can replicate it even by driving up the driveway, putting the car in neutral, and letting it roll back in neutral.

Based on some searches here, it appears it may be an axle/joint issue -- but I have mainly read about the problem while turning in a certain direction. The vehicle has around 62k miles on it.

Does this sound like a CV joint or axle problem?

Thanks for the help.

[zacman]

I also have an 03 3.0.. about 15k ago I had my cv's done, i was expirencing a similar situation, however at speeds over 45 or so it turned into more of a loud "tire/road" noise... but that didnt take place until I let the clicking noise do its thing for like 3k or so..... just to clarify I do not usually let issues set on my X like I did with this issue but i was in germany at the time and I knew that I would be returning to the states soon and I didn't want to pay Euro (man the dollar is WEAK) to fix it, so I did wait to get it fixed, I do not know if that caused further damage or not.. I assume it was not a wise thing to do but ya gotta do what you gotta do..ANYWAY If it were me I would get it checked, I feel the sooner you identify a problem the cheaper it is in the long run... even if it costs alittle up front for them to check and say.." alles klar!!" IMO

[gse36]

Thanks for the feedback. I intend to bring the car in soon, but am just trying to gain an understanding on these things (which these online communities are great for), as I do not like to go to the mechanic without a strong understanding of the probable causes (esp if it is a common problem area).

Last time I had a problem with ABS/DSC/LowBeam lights going on while accelerating sometimes, and the forums said it was likely an alternator problem. I took my car to the mechanic and he said that it was a sensor, and at that point I suggested checking the alternator. Sure enough, the alternator was shot.

zacman: was it the CV boots you had done? or the joints too? I assume after it was done, the problem went away? Was it the front or rear?

Thanks!

[zacman]

I appologize for not being specific..I get carried away.. I did the left joint and boots, it was the left front that was the problem, but I had them do the right front boot as well.. since neither had been done up to that point. so all in all, both boots and left joint... and It has been going strong ever since... like 6 months or so..... Now I am similar to you in that I like to have some knowledge prior to going to the shop.... I still have a lot to learn and that usually comes with a few smart a$$ coments from some other folks and trial and error on my part, but I try to research on my own, then ask, and that so far has worked! I feel better when I go to the dealer and have a decent understanding of whats going on... good luck and I hope I have helped you in some way or another!! Prost!!

[gse36]

Thanks zacman. You have most definately helped me -- much appreciated.

[sohel]

I have a similar problem and i hear it most frequently when i turn the wheel and back up. Once i do that i will also here it when i'm turning and going forward. Do you think it the same problem with the cv joint?
Also, not too long ago i had Inspection 2 done. Do you think they should've found this problem? Any help suggestion would be greatly appreciated.